‘Bartica Safari 2017’ launched

Aug 04, 2017 News

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The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with Rainforest Tours, Palm Spring Hotel and MMC Security Force yesterday launched Bartica Safari 2017 – the inaugural Bartica 4×4 Safari – at the Ministry of Business.
The Safari, which is slated for August 18-20, aims at satisfying both Guyanese and visitors who are “starved for adventurous activities”.
The launch of the event was attended by the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Haralsingh; Representative of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari and Rain Forest Tours, Lisa Smith; Proprietor of Palm Spring Hotel, Ramcharran Boodhoo; owner of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh and Senior Product Development Officer, Kamrul Baksh who was the Master of Ceremonies.
It was disclosed that some of the activities that “‘Safarians’ can expect during this drive include sight-seeing, visiting the Baracara Falls and the water-wheel, tasting the famous Tacoma worm, viewing the amazing wildlife, birds, creeks and streams also viewing the way of life the Amerindians and being greeted by the most hospitable folks”.
The registration fee is five thousand dollars per vehicle, and those who just want to go as passengers will pay a small amount of fifty thousand Guyana dollars inclusive of meals, accommodation, transportation and recreation.
Baksh explained that this is the fourth Safari route that is being explored and is a follow up on the previous Safaris in the North Pakaraima, Moraikobai, and South Rupununi districts.

He noted that, “The Bartica 4×4 Safari offers to the public the opportunity to engage in a life-changing experience. The challenges in overcoming the rugged terrain, the chance to see both historic and natural scenic spots, to enjoy the comfort of a contemporary and luxurious hotel are just a few of the highlights of this safari.”
According to Baksh, this Safari is a welcome addition and the Guyana Tourism Authority is happy to support the venture. He informed the public that each of the Safaris is unique in its own way. In addition, he said the company is trying to expand and diversify the tourism offerings.
Haralsingh then addressed the gathering, stating that, “I must say that the Guyana Tourism Authority is very proud to be associated with this Inaugural Bartica Safari. We are very committed to promoting and encouraging responsible, affordable, adventure travel, outdoor recreation and short get-a-ways”. He then noted the importance of the authority to develop new routes and attractions which will allow Guyanese and visitors to explore the country.
He said, “This year, I must tell you that, there has been a record for safari drives and both for 4×4 ATV and off-road bikes. He explained that the first safari for the year was done in Moraikobai over the Mashramani weekend. This safari was followed by a “Wet Savannah Drive” around the Phagwah season also to Moraikobai, but by a separate organization. The Pakaraima Mountain Safari was done during the Easter weekend and was followed by a Pre-Emancipation Savannah Drive to several Amerindian villages on the Linden Highway. He said that another “drive” is expected in September to Moraikobai.
Another Safari that is scheduled for November is headed to the South Rupununi while the village will be having its annual Expo.
He expounded on the fact that the Safaris give locals an opportunity to view the country’s true beauty. Singh questioned, “How many of you have ever seen a Carib?” He clarified that, “The entire Caribbean is named after the Caribs and today there are no Caribs in the Caribbean, there are however in Region One in Guyana, so the chance is out there for a river Safari.”
He is therefore urging “those who love the outdoors and adventure and nature, to join this and the other safaris” that they have planned. He said the event is “ideal for a family” and encouraged the audience to “find a 4×4” and get on board, since there are already twelve vehicles who would have confirmed their participation.
The trip is said to include visits to two waterfalls, which according to Haralsingh, are accessible in the sense that visitors can sit under the falls.
Lisa Smith then highlighted the order in which the events are scheduled to run. She said, “We’re scheduled to meet at Rainforest Tours on the morning of the 18th, which is located at the lot 5 Avenue of the Republic on Robb Street and will be departing towards the mining town of Linden at 04:00am, where we will have our very first stop for breakfast, a little bit of relaxation and then we’re heading onward to the Mabura Road, towards Rockstone, home of the ‘Fish festival’.“
“We will then head towards the ‘Sherima Crossing’ and on to the Potaro Issano Road towards Bartica, arriving around lunch time. We will be checking in at the Palm Spring Hotel located at Third Avenue, Bartica. Afterwards, the Safarians are allowed to relax, refresh, take a lime to the beach to see where the famous annual Bartica Safari is held and overnight at the hotel.”
“On day two, which is Saturday, 19 August 2017, we will be having breakfast after which we will depart the hotel at 08:00am towards the Baracara Falls. Our activities for that day include nature trailing, outdoor cooking, swimming, enjoying the fresh water falls and recreation and bonding, after which we will come back to the hotel, refresh and then experience the Bartica Saturday night life.”
“On the final day which will be Sunday 20th August, 2017, we will have breakfast. Safarians are allowed to go out into the town and do sight-seeing, shopping and interact with the people in the town and then we will depart at 01:00pm for Georgetown at which we will be arriving at around 7 or 8 at night.”
Interested persons can contact the Guyana Tourism Authority on telephone numbers: 219-0094-6 and Fax: 219-0093.

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